Predictive analysis of oocyte integrity with chromosome imaging

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Ensuring integrity in gametogenesis
• Project/Area Number: 18H05549
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Research in a proposed research area)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Biological Sciences
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Kitajima Tomoya 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 生命機能科学研究センター, チームリーダー (00376641)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-06-29 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 卵子 / イメージング / 染色体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

One of the most important factors for oocyte integrity is the normality of chromosome number. Ocytes produced by in vitro gametogenesis and oocytes from older organisms have a high frequency of chromosome number abnormalities, reflecting their low integrity. Chromosome number abnormalities in oocytes are a major cause of miscarriages and congenital diseases such as Down syndrome. In this study, we conducted cell biological study of oocyte integrity with techniques of chromosome imaging. We found spindle stability as an important factor for oocyte integrity and elucidated molecular mechanisms required for the integrity. We also identified chromosomal factors that decrease with age.

Free Research Field

細胞分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

卵子のインテグリティに必要な染色体の正常性を担う細胞生物学的および分子的機構を解明した。これにより、不妊や流産、および先天性疾患の主要な原因である卵子の染色体数異常の原因解明に近づいた。原因を分子的に解明することは、将来において卵子の染色体数異常を抑制する技術を開発する基盤となりえる。